But according to The Enterprise, the state says the statue of the Brockton native – who is the only heavyweight boxer to retire undefeated – doesn’t rank as an “attraction” that should be listed on a highway sign.

In December, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and the Rocky Marciano statue planning committee asked state transportation officials to advertise the statue on the “Attractions” signs at Exit 17A on Route 24.

“It gives us another attraction,” said chamber President and CEO Chris Cooney. “(It’s) another reason for people to get off the highway, fill up their tank, get a sandwich, snap a photo and have a positive experience in Brockton.”

“How dare they?” said Larry Siskind, a Brockton attorney and statue committee chairman. “How dare they say that Rocky Marciano is not worthy of having his name on a sign that talks about attractions?”

The attractions listed at the exit include Brockton Fairgrounds, Historic Downtown Brockton and the Stadium Conference Center.

There’s room for a fourth 2-by-3-foot placard, but the state says it won’t be used to promote the Rocky statue, located on the grounds of Brockton High School.

“We certainly respect and appreciate Rocky Marciano's legacy and the high esteem in which he is held,” Michael Verseckes, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said in a statement.

“However, MassDOT cannot allow for the inclusion of a special designation for the statue on this sign,” he said, “and cannot allow for a selective application of the rules in this instance.”

Peter Marciano Sr., younger brother of the Brockton Blockbuster, was stunned when told by The Enterprise of the state’s rejection. Marciano, 72, of Plymouth, said he has seen many people stop to see the statue.

“I just can’t understand the reason why they would put a halt to something like that,” Marciano said.

Brockton residents interviewed on Friday, including Mayor Linda Balzotti, said the news was disheartening.

“He’s the world heavyweight champion – and that’s not regional?” Balzotti said.

Donna Harding, 56, of Brockton, said a placard advertising the Rocky statue belongs on the highway because of “what (Marciano) represents to this town.”

Sandra Tillman, 57, of Brockton, laughed when she heard about the state’s decision. “He’s an inspiration to young kids. That’s what we need.” Tillman said.

Julie Galluzzo of Hull, who works in nearby Easton, thought the state ruling was silly.

“He was nationally and internationally known,” said Galluzzo over lunch at George’s Cafe. “How could he not be regionally significant?”

George’s Cafe owner Charlie Tartaglia said state legislators should stick up for the statue.

“The only undefeated champion in the world and they don’t want to put the location of the statue?” Tartaglia said.

Siskind and Cooney said they will keep pushing for the highway sign, with Siskind calling the battle for the 49-0 boxer his “50th fight.”

“We are fighting mad,” Siskind said. “We’re not going to stand for their determination that Rocky has no regional significance.”

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